Vet student’s warning to dog owners who play with sticks

Ally welcomed her corgi Lucy in 2020, and the pair swiftly formed an unbreakable bond. The devoted owner recognised Lucy as her ‘soul dog‘ and worked hard to balance her studies with training.

When the duo weren’t excelling in rally, obedience, dock diving, disc, and FastCAT competitions, they were taking walks and playing together.

In an Instagram post, Ally shared footage of Lucy running towards her with sticks in her mouth. She then went on to share her deep remorse for allowing such activity.

She penned: “A year ago I lost my best friend because I decided it was okay for her to play fetch with a stick.”

Ally acknowledged she ‘knew better’ but had never anticipated the pup would get injured from retrieving a stick.

In a follow-up post, Ally explained how the pair had been enjoying fetch outdoors using a found stick – which became wedged at the rear of the dog’s mouth. This triggered a serious infection which spread rapidly – and despite surgical intervention, Lucy tragically succumbed.

Ally isn’t alone in cautioning dog owners about the hazards of allowing dogs to play fetch with sticks. Veterinary professionals and animal welfare groups such as the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club caution that throwing real sticks can result in dreadful and even fatal injuries, as was the case with Lucy.

Advice on the Kennel Club website states: “Stick injuries to dogs can range from minor cuts and scrapes to infections from stick splinters and even fatal injuries.”

It adds: “Stick injuries are all too common and preventable, so please never throw sticks for dogs. They can lead to horrendous, life-threatening injuries, requiring advanced investigation and surgery. Use safer rubber alternatives instead.”

Instead, the organisation advocates using safe, rubber “fetch sticks” or other robust toys designed for play. These are created with dogs’ safety in mind and won’t have the same sharp edges as real sticks do.

Wrapping up her post, Ally said: “So the next time you play fetch, choose a ball, frisbee, or toy. Anything but a stick. I’d still be playing fetch with her today if I hadn’t used a stick for fetch.”